Final Reflection Assignment

1. The most valuable information that I gained from this class was from the reading and from the movies. This class offered an abundance of information related to the natural food industry and particularly the value of food and the importance of where is came from. Specifically the most valuable learning was the knowledge about the reality of the current large corporation organic produce and meat industry. The realization that organic is not necessarily good was so valuable to learn. To really understand all that goes into the organic movement and the truly important aspects of quality food is so important. Although I had an interest in organic before I took this class, I now understand the importance of local and the importance of understanding how the food was grown and produced rather than just buying because there is the organic sticker.

2. Working with the “Friends of Farmers” group was a rewarding experience. We agreed on the product we wanted to deliver and we worked well together without many issues. We had a good attitude within the group as well, all members participated evenly and worked hard towards the goal.

Luke Kincaid 10/10
Kevin Lee 10/10
TJ Boeshcen 10/10
Tara Barrick 10/10
Katie Kulper 10/10

3. I do believe that we met all the goals we set out to accomplish in the class;

-Introduce students to the complexities and challenges of healthy communities, related to urban design, society and food issues.

-Orient students to the particular history and culture of cooperative businesses and
the natural food industry.

-Provide students with ethnographic tools to successfully interact with individuals, groups and cultural landscapes, and be able to document and analyze their observations and communicate them to others.

-Gain a cultural sensitivity to be able to work with and understand the experiences of a diverse community of people.

-Learn environmental and social ethics related to sustainable agriculture, land use, and food issues.

-Apply experiences into a final presentation which demonstrates strong communication skills, critical thinking and reflection.

-Learn skills working with others, especially related to taking initiative and communicating in a direct an timely manner.

The class was organized in a great way. The reading was applicable, the movies were thought provoking and most importantly we were given a great deal of independence as students to create our own projects and carrying them out in a way that we say fit. This style of teaching I believe was similar to a job situation where we would be sent to accomplish a specific goal.

4. Daily this class encouraged us through the movies and through the reading to analyze our own personal lives and to change the way we think. The class addressed issues of fair trade, quality food, economics, societal norms and pressures, politics and governmental policies and we were encouraged to think about these things and do what we can affect positive change. The class also encouraged me to think about how my own decision affect the things around me. Simply the food purchases we choose to make on a regular basis affect all of the things I listed about.

5. People’s is a great organization and they were wonderful to work with. If I were to change things for future students, I would incorporate more opportunities to talk about the reading. All the reading are so thought provoking and there should be opportunity to discuss the issues raised.